Long Quiet Highway: Waking Up in America

I recently read this book as part of the required reading for a university course on Zen. Understand that I'm no stranger to Zen philosophy, have sat and talked with monks, and have studied Buddhism for years. However, for me, this book provided a wonderful and necessary insight: practical application. It lets the reader see precisely how Zen can be incorporated into the lives of an "everyday individual" such as Natalie Goldberg. One might think of it as a case study on the practical application of Zen. I did.I was also sad that the book ended. Then I recognized the sadness and laughed: All things are impermanent. Therefore it is fitting that the story came to an end. However, the lesson which this book embarks upon need not end with the closing of its covers...Why should one read this book? If one is interested in Zen, read it. If one is interested in New Mexico, read it. If one is interest in writing, read it. If one is interested in the cultural transformation of America, read it. More importantly, if one is interested in life, READ IT.This little book is big.

Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones became a handbook fortaking another look at writing about our own lives. Just abouteveryone I knew had a copy. Now she's written about her own life: from her profound sleep of a suburban childhood, thru the first time she heard the rain, to her years as a student of Zen Buddhism. With moments of illumination, long discipline of daily practice, hilarious errors & stumbling over the grief resistance to change brings, Natalie Goldberg, wanders along the highway of her life, so far. A very satisfying read...

This book is unique in so many ways. The reason for the title is very telling: when asked how Buddhism will spread through America, the author's spiritual master replied: "It will spread through the U.S. like a 'long quiet highway'". What a perfect characterization of this country! Goldberg does a great job revealing how she is attracted to Buddhism. One passage I will never forget is her description of the first time she met her spiritual leader (Roshi); she reveals to her readers, in perfect detail, how the Roshi was watering a flower, and how every bit of his attention was focused on that action. Goldberg is truly a wonderful writer. I also was tremendously moved by her description of her relationship with Roshi, and how she grieved so deeply when he died. (I am going through something similar myself, and it is a uniquely emotional experience). I have never seen an author deal with this specific subject matter before. Natalie Goldberg, thank you so very much for this tremendous and deeply personal book.

I first read Long Quiet Highway 3 years ago. It changed my life forever. Natalie offered me my first introduction to zen, which was profound enough, but it was the way in which she shared her growth that inspired me to reach beyond the world I knew then. I am eternally grateful for this book.

This is the spiritual journey of the author, Natalie Goldberg. Natalie goes from high school teaching, to a commune in Taos, to a Zen center in Minnesota. She learns how to write, and teach others to write. The book focuses on a relationship that develops between Natilie and her spiritual teacher, a Zen monk. Natalie questions her spirituality, as a student of Zen, a member of the Jewish faith, and a grieving writer. Her attention to minute details, her description of her spiritual dilemnas, and her grief for a man who gave her his love leave the reader with an understanding of what makes life special and worth living. I was left with an overwhelming feeling of Natalie's loss, and the illumination of what it means to be alive, and present. Natalie's prose is beautiful, that alone is worth the read.